The PICO Study - The Prebiotic Inulin Calcium Oxalate study
Eva Furrow, VMD, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM
Associate Professor, Veterinary Clinical Sciences
[email protected]
Sara Pracht, CVT
Lead Research Professional, CIC Supervisor,
Brain Tumor Clinical Trials Coordinator
[email protected]
612-626-3574
Study title
Defining the Impact of Short Chain Fatty Acids on the Gut-Urinary Axis in a Naturally Occurring Canine Model of Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis
Purpose of study
Calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones are one of the most common types of kidney and bladder stones in dogs, but what causes these stones to form is incompletely understood. Recently, distinct differences in the microbiome have been identified in dogs and humans affected by CaOx stones. Certain dietary supplements, such as prebiotic fibers, are broken down by these bacteria to form various types of metabolites. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are an important class of metabolites that are formed when bacteria interact with prebiotic fibers. SCFAs offer numerous benefits to canine health, however, the effects of prebiotic fibers and SCFAs are not well understood in dogs. This study will examine how inulin (a prebiotic fiber) and SCFA metabolites impact the microbiome and stone risk factors in dogs with a history of CaOx stones.
Eligibility criteria
Dogs:
can be of any age, breed and gender
must have a history of calcium oxalate stones (previous or current)
cannot have been on antibiotics or had a urinary procedure (e.g. stone removal) within 3 months
must not have other urinary or gastrointestinal disorders
must not have certain comorbidities (e.g. diabetes, Cushing’s disease, cancer, heart failure)
Procedures
The study requires 5 visits in total, spaced 2 weeks apart.
Initial visit: blood and urine samples will be collected, and radiographs of the abdomen will be performed.
At home after 1st visit: gradually transition to a standardized stone prevention diet (Hill’s c/d) after the first visit.
Visits 2-5: urine sample will be collected, and you will be asked to bring fecal samples from home using tubes provided by the study.
At home between visits 2-5: owners will give a prebiotic fiber supplement (inulin) for 2 weeks and a placebo for 2 weeks.
Costs
All sample collections, diagnostic tests, and radiographs are covered by the study. This includes a free urinalysis, urine culture, and blood panel. Diet and supplements will also be provided by the study.
Upon completion of the third and fifth visits, a $100 gift card will be awarded.